Atlas Lives

My own feelings spun creatively. I intensely relate to the enduring allegory of Atlas.

Why do my bones yearn

For the very things that ache them?

This earth, beneath my feet

Erodes (ever shifting), giving not a moment of security.

While the sky... lies atop these calloused hands;

straddling my neck and shoulders,

affixing my head downwards.

Keeping it's wondrous glory

secret from despairing eyes.

Petite thoughts of the voluminous skies

I once roamed... an unguarded daydreamer.

Makes my burden swell, profoundly---

forcing me closer to the inflexible ground

on which my labored feet stand.

My knees complain as I stagger

on defeated hopes that have lost reason to fly.

The vibrant wings of imagination,

pinned--- to a concrete reality.

Suffering is all that embraces me here

and the gods shelter no pity.

Knowing of me...

Sisyphus counts himself amongst the lucky.

For I must endure (forever),

the weight of my failed ambitions

crushing me, bending my back to harsh actuality.

I am the fractured axis

upon which, dreams and reality converge.

It is between them,

with great unwavering strength,

that I must never say die---

And I live.

Author's Note

Thank you for reading. A special thanks to, Girl Friday (Sarah W.) for the idea of editing the format.

Reviews

[SyberRose]

Hopefully you don't have a Zeus in your life forcing you to hold the world and heavens upon your shoulders.
I enjoyed reading Travis...its nice to be young but young people do have a lot of pressures these days.
Sometimes they want too much too soon...have to be patient and I can tell you will succeed in your journey along the way...Rose:)...nicely crafted words.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you for the lovely review, Rose. Thankfully, i don't have a Zues purposely punishing me. I'm sure one day i will shed the weight that i carry. Thank you for such supportive words.

[EMMIE]

Amazing! Intelligent, thought provoking, and unique! What more can I say...

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you so much for the visit and the outstanding review. I'm glad you enjoyed this piece.

[Frieda P]

How did I miss this one, EPIC Travis....love how you wrapped it up, heck, love it in its entirety.....excellent piece here!

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, sweet Frieda. Sorry for the delay... Glad to find that you still have the most enduring pen around. ;)

[Frieda P]

WOOO you're back! Doing the happy dance, you've been missed Travis.....x

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

You still know how to make me smile. (heated chocolate) ;)... You've been missed as well.

[Troy Henson]

I remember as a young boy how carefree life was and the pressures to be more than you are were almost non existent....these days the tables have turned. So much pressure, so much weight and as I look at my son being 10 years of age and the pressures he is under at such a young age frightens me. May we still guide them down the right path.

Regards
Troy

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

May we guide them down the right path indeed, good friend.

[Bright Ocean Star]

Poet, you've outdone yourself. Combining greek mythology with poetry creates a masterpiece. I love the second to last stanza possibly the best, although there were too many great lines to count...
" Knowing of me...
Sisyphus counts himself amongst the lucky.
For I must endure (forever),
the weight of my failed ambitions
crushing me, bending my back to harsh actuality."

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Again, I'm nearly speechless for the grand thoughts you have for my work. I can't thank you enough for being so uplifting!

[Pryde Foltz]

Petite thoughts of the voluminous skies

Splendid and deft write, all in all, of course, but this line above … GOR-jus.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thanks so much, Pryde. I'm sorry for just responding, haven't been reading or writing much lately. I'm looking forward to catching up on your work the moment I can.

[Pryde Foltz]

No apologies necessary. See you soon:)

[Draven]

This was a truly fantastic poem. I was mesmerized.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you so very much, Casanova.

[Shirlena]

Are you feeling weighed down lately? Aww I'm sorry to hear that but the inspiration made for a great metaphorical expression of your feelings. Let it keep on inspiring you until you write it out of your systems because we would love to read what the continued results are Travis. Intricate goodness.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thanks, Shirlena I have been a bit heavy hearted lately. I do appreciate your encouraging words. Hopefully, my pen will find reason to move soon.

[Shirlena]

Aww I'm sorry to hear that friend. If you need someone to talk to I'm here and I really mean that.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you... And I know you do and I truly appreciate it.

[MoriartyMesa]

From one who has been there.



The weight be bare makes us stronger.




Atlas is a Titan






Know it and feel it.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

It indeed does make us stronger... your thoughts and review are greatly appreciated, I will be certain to reciprocate the gesture.

[Lydia Shutter]

It's not easy starting out on your own....especially in today's world. To feel as though the weight of the world is on your shoulders is no way to live. However, learning to deal with adversity and still moving forward is a true sign of success. I hope writing this poetry is a catharsis for you. Well written stuff! Lydi**

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

It is and thank you... your thoughts are humbling and appreciated.